Trial of Dasuki, others for alleged N13bn arms scam begins Feb 24

Trial judge in the case of EFCC versus former National Security Adviser (NSA) Col. Sambo Dasuki, Justice Hussein Baba-Yusuf has fixed February 24 for commencement of trial

Dasuki (rtd) and five others were on Tuesday re-arraigned before an Abuja Federal High Court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for alleged diversion of N13 billion supposedly meant for purchase of arms.

He was arraigned along a former governor of Sokoto State, Attahiru Bafarawa; Bashir Yuguda, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Director of Finance, Office of the NSA, Dalhatu Investment Ltd., and Sagir Attahiru.

The accused who had been remanded in the custody of the Department of State Service (DSS) regardless of the fact that they have met their bail conditions were arraigned by the anti-graft agency on a 22-count charge bothering on criminal breach of trust, receiving stolen property and misappropriation of funds involving N13 billion.

The accused persons pleaded not guilty to all the charges leveled against them before Justice Baba-Yusuf.

After listening to the submissions of both the prosecuting counsel and counsel to defendants, Baba-Yusuf ordered that the existing bail condition be maintained.

The prosecuting counsel, Mr Rotimi Jacobs (SAN), opposed the upholding of Dasuki’s bail and argued that he had remained in the custody of the DSS since he was granted bail earlier. He therefore applied for date when he will open his case against the defendants since they pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Jacob said his application was in line with Section 396 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which provides for day-to-day trial.

Read also: Magu, SGF not corrupt, FG tells Senate

But Dasuki’s counsel, Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), objected and argued that the EFCC brought his client to court and not DSS.

He added that ECOWAS court had earlier given a valid judgment on the issue and objected to the suggestion of Rotimi, arguing that day-to-day trial was when the case fully begins.

Dr Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), Counsel to Bafarawa and counsel to other defendants aligned themselves and argued that Section 396 of ACJA should not be placed ahead the provisions of in Section 36 of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

According to Fagbemi, the referred section provides for fair hearing. He said it would be wrong for the defendants to be arraigned today and trial commences tomorrow.

Baba-Yusuf adjourned till February 24 for commencement of trial.

Dasuki and others were in 2015 arraigned on a 22-count charge bordering on diversion, conspiracy, bribery, abuse of office and criminal breach of trust of about N19.4 billion before Justice Peter Affen, who granted them bail in the sum of N250 million each with two sureties each in the like sum.

The case was later transferred to Baba-Yusuf’s court following an application by Chief Joseph Daudu, counsel to Dasuki.

RipplesNigeria ….without borders, without fears

Join the conversation

Opinions

Support Ripples Nigeria, hold up solutions journalism

Balanced, fearless journalism driven by data comes at huge financial costs.

As a media platform, we hold leadership accountable and will not trade the right to press freedom and free speech for a piece of cake.

If you like what we do, and are ready to uphold solutions journalism, kindly donate to the Ripples Nigeria cause.

Your support would help to ensure that citizens and institutions continue to have free access to credible and reliable information for societal development.

Donate Now